CVE-2018-11378 in radare2
Summary
by MITRE
The wasm_dis() function in libr/asm/arch/wasm/wasm.c in or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted WASM file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11378 represents a critical flaw in the WebAssembly disassembly functionality of the radare2 reverse engineering framework. This issue specifically affects the wasm_dis() function located within the libr/asm/arch/wasm/wasm.c source file, which is responsible for processing and disassembling WebAssembly binary format files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization when handling malformed or crafted WebAssembly files, creating a potential avenue for arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The affected component operates within the broader context of binary analysis tools that process compiled code formats, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted binary data must be analyzed. WebAssembly has become increasingly prevalent in modern web applications and server-side environments, amplifying the potential impact of this vulnerability across numerous attack vectors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-121, which deals with Stack-based Buffer Overflow, and potentially CWE-787, Out-of-bounds Write, depending on the specific implementation details. The flaw manifests when the wasm_dis() function processes malformed WebAssembly binary data without proper bounds checking or validation of input parameters. This allows attackers to craft specially designed WebAssembly files that can trigger memory corruption issues during the disassembly process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because WebAssembly files are often processed automatically by security tools, analysis frameworks, and automated systems, meaning that simply encountering a malicious file could trigger the exploit. The function likely performs operations that assume certain data structures or memory layouts, but crafted inputs can cause these assumptions to fail catastrophically.
Operationally, this vulnerability impacts organizations that rely on radare2 or similar binary analysis tools for security research, malware analysis, or software reverse engineering activities. Attackers could exploit this weakness by delivering malicious WebAssembly files to systems running affected versions of radare2, potentially leading to complete system compromise or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in automated analysis environments where security tools process large volumes of untrusted binary data without human intervention. The impact extends beyond direct exploitation as the flaw could also be leveraged in supply chain attacks, where malicious WebAssembly modules are embedded in legitimate software packages. This vulnerability affects the integrity of security analysis workflows and could potentially allow attackers to bypass security controls or gain unauthorized access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11378 should prioritize immediate patching of affected radare2 installations to the latest stable versions that contain the necessary fixes for the wasm_dis() function. Organizations should implement strict input validation policies for all WebAssembly files processed by their analysis tools, including sandboxing environments that isolate potentially malicious code. Network administrators should consider implementing file type restrictions and automated scanning for WebAssembly content, particularly in environments where untrusted users or systems can upload files. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for WebAssembly-based execution and potentially T1203 for exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging around binary analysis tool usage to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular updates and security assessments of reverse engineering tools are essential, as these components often handle sensitive binary data and require robust protection against memory corruption vulnerabilities.